You know the drill.

Hit reply, cut out everything above the dotted line, and give us your predictions.


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I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:

My best prediction from last year was:

My worst prediction from last year was:

The Leafs will finish:

The main reason for this is:

The biggest surprise will be:

The biggest disappointment will be:

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was:

If I was GM, I would have:

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:

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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan:

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi:

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg:

Calle Jarnkrok:

David Kampf:

Matthew Knies:

Mitch Marner:

Auston Matthews:

Bobby McMann:

Fraser Minten:

William Nylander:

Ryan Reaves:

Nicholas Robertson:

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares:

Max Pacioretty:

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson:

Jani Hakanpää:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake McCabe:

Morgan Rielly:

Chris Tanev:

Conor Timmins:


Goalies

Matt Murray:

Anthony Stolarz:

Joseph Woll:


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - East:

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - West:

Last place team overall:

Most surprising team:

Most disappointing team:

My wild, wacky hot-take:

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner:

Eastern Conference winner:

Stanley Cup winner:

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: because of Nikolai Borschevsky
https://youtu.be/oGWDt5DfB-I?feature=shared

My best prediction from last year was: none of them because I was so off base

My worst prediction from last year was: all of them

The Leafs will finish: 3rd in the Atlantic,

The main reason for this is:#41

The biggest surprise will be:#18

The biggest disappointment will be: Woll due to injury

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):#67

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):#18

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: new coaching staff

If I was GM, I would have: what Tre did, I guess

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: 2/3C did I hear someone say Coleman

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Leafs will be playing in the 3rd round of the playoffs.


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan: back to Jrs

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi: 14G 32A

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg:7G 12A

Calle Jarnkrok: 16G 20A

David Kampf: 6G 11A

Matthew Knies: 23G 18A

Mitch Marner: 33G 89A

Auston Matthews: 70G 65A

Bobby McMann:10G 15A

Fraser Minten:

William Nylander: 42A 51A -> 2 better than last year

Ryan Reaves:3G 8A

Nicholas Robertson: 25G 13A

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares: 23G 32A

Max Pacioretty: 8G 12A

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit: 2G 19A

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 9G 22A

Jani Hakanpää:2G 8A

Timothy Liljegren: 4G 23A -> Traded for Colman

Jake McCabe:5G 15A

Morgan Rielly:14G 20A

Chris Tanev:9G 18A

Conor Timmins:


Goalies

Matt Murray: 10-7-1

Anthony Stolarz: 23-10-3

Joseph Woll: 14-10-4


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):Florida, Boston, Leafs - yup just like last year

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): NY Rangers, Carolina, New Jersey

Wildcard teams - East:Ottawa and TB

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Nashville, Dallas

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Edmonton, Vancouver, LA

Wildcard teams - West: Vegas, Winnipeg

Last place team overall: Chicago or San Jose

Most surprising team: Utah as they come this short of making the playoffs

Most disappointing team: Pittsburg

My wild, wacky hot-take: Marner got signed to a 12.5M/8 with the Leafs

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: has Gio retired already?

Art Ross winner: McD

Hart winner: Matthews

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner: Matthews


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Leafs

Eastern Conference winner: Oilers

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs in game 7, double OT and the forth line does it #18

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Woll nah Matthews

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: What makes a person the "greatest" leafs fan? I have a busy-ish life so I cant watch every game or care about every prospect or call up. I watch a game here or there but I'm mainly interested in playoffs. So no, I'm not the greatest leafs fan in that regard.

My best prediction from last year was: Cant remember, but I believe I did pick the oilers to make the finals.

My worst prediction from last year was: Cant remember, but a couple of items Im sure

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: Because they will have the 2nd most points in the Atlantic division

The biggest surprise will be: The leafs make the 2nd round and hopefully the 3rd.

The biggest disappointment will be: TDL for some. Some will post throughout the season every twitter rumour about any player that are mentioned in the same post as the leafs and that they should get. But I dont see Tre moving out alot of picks unless its a great player with term and a roster player goes the other way. Also, the older vets that were added in the off season wont live up to some peoples expectations......I have a bad feeling Tanev could be injured alot. I really hope Im wrong.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): I don't feel like anyone on the team "sucks". But I do have reservations about OEL....not a fan of that contract or term. Hoping he does well.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Tavares. People we knew his contract would suck the last two years but he's still a good player. Also, Im sure some will whine about Marner all season (hopefully not justified)

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: New coach. I liked our old coach and Im sure he'll do well in Jersey now that they have a great goalie. But this team needed a new voice and look. Not to say the new coach will be so much better....but a new voice was needed.

If I was GM, I would have: The leafs didnt have a lot cap to do many things. I would moved out Kampf....or maybe Jankrok. Also sign knies to a 5 year $4m contract now in case he gets hot this season.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Way too early to tell, they have yet to play a reg season game. Also, they dont have a lot of picks...so hopefully they dont have to do much

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Relax. Its just hockey. It shouldnt impact your life too much either way......oh and the LEAFS ARE (frank)ING WINNING THE CUP WOO HOO!!!


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THE LEAFS
Don't care about how many points the players get - show me what you can do in the playoffs.


THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Florida, Toronto, who cares

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Devils, canes, dont care

Wildcard teams - East: Ugh, sens, wings maybe?

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): stars, Nash, Avs

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Oilers, knights, canucks.

Wildcard teams - West: JEts

Last place team overall: Bluejackets - probably a rough year. Understandable.

Most surprising team: Nashville

Most disappointing team: Hoping the pens.

My wild, wacky hot-take:

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Art Ross winner: Dont care about any of the trophies.

Hart winner:

Norris winner:

Calder winner:

Vezina winner:

Richard winner:


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Nashville but hoping its the Oilers

Eastern Conference winner: Hoping the Leafs? But to be leafy, the devils.

Stanley Cup winner: Dont care unless its the Leafs. But I guess Nashville if the Leafs and Oilers dont make it.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: I don’t expect to be that since it doesn’t exist?

My best prediction from last year was: sadly it was that Jones played more than hoped

My worst prediction from last year was: that Samsonov was overjudged by the media, no he wasn’t.

The Leafs will finish: 1st overall of course

The main reason for this is: they’re damn amazing

The biggest surprise will be: Matthew Knies

The biggest disappointment will be: Nicholas Robertson

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Timothy Liljegren. He’s being dropped in the leafs roster because thankfully the new GM and new coach can see this.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): David Kampf. He’s a 4th line C, what are you expecting?

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: primarily make the owner Rogers I guess?

If I was GM, I would have: moved Robertson, the forward wingers are already too bloody small up on the top 6 except Knies of course.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: be prepared for anything. Who knows which guys will work great under the new coach and who will look like poop

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Jake Muzzin liked nachos?


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: he’ll do good for the Marlies

Easton Cowan: he’ll be focusing on defensive play under the Hunters for the Knights

Connor Dewar: 10-15P depending how long he’s hurt?

Max Domi: 10G 30A

Nikita Grebenkin: a Marlie with an occasional callup

Pontus Holmberg: 10-15P

Calle Jarnkrok: 15G 40A

David Kampf: 5G 5A

Matthew Knies: 20G 35A

Mitch Marner: 25G 75A

Auston Matthews: 75G 40A

Bobby McMann: 15G 30A

Fraser Minten: a Marlie as well

William Nylander: 30G 50A (staying at C, 40G 60A on the wing)

Ryan Reaves: a dozen fights

Nicholas Robertson: if he doesn’t get hurt? 20G 20A

Alex Steeves: 10P somehow?

John Tavares: 20G 50A

Max Pacioretty: 25G 30A

Alex Nylander: a Marlie vet?


Defence

Simon Benoit: 15A and maaaaayyyybe a goal

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 18G 30A

Jani Hakanpää: 10A and maaaaayyyybe a goal

Timothy Liljegren: 10G 12A

Jake McCabe: 8G 25A

Morgan Rielly: 20G 35A

Chris Tanev: 5G 10A

Conor Timmins: 2G 12A


Goalies

Matt Murray: 6W 2L 3.25GAA

Anthony Stolarz: 18W 6L 2.98GAA

Joseph Woll: 40W 10L 2.01GAA


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):
Maple Leafs
Panthers
Bruins

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):
Hurricanes
Devils
Rangers

Wildcard teams - East:
Penguins
Red Wings


Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):
Stars
Predators
Avalanche

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):
Canucks
Oilers
Golden Knights

Wildcard teams - West:
Jets
Kings

Last place team overall:
Sharks

Most surprising team:
Blue Jackets

Most disappointing team:
Canadiens

My wild, wacky hot-take:
The Red Wings will be far better than expected

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:
Giordano

Art Ross winner:
Auston Matthews

Hart winner:
Auston Matthews

Norris winner:
Cake Makar

Calder winner:
Macklin Celebrini

Vezina winner:
Joseph Woll

Richard winner:
Auston Matthews

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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Dallas Stars

Eastern Conference winner: Maple Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Maple Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Auston Matthews

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:

I'm not. I just some Florida Man with a not-so-secret Leafs fetish.

My best prediction from last year was:

I got pretty close on my Matthews prediction and I'll make a similar prediction again.

My worst prediction from last year was:

Reaver. I thought he would be more useful. He was not. He wasn't even good by murder pylon standards.

The Leafs will finish:

They will finish in the top-7 of the standings.

The main reason for this is:

It is where the should be.

The biggest surprise will be:

Knies will dominate at 5v5.

The biggest disappointment will be:

Reaves. Again.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

OEL. He's a tire fire defensively.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

Reaves, but he's even worse than most people think.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was:

Bringing in Skalapy as strength and conditioning coach. Neck sizes +190%.

If I was GM, I would have:

Demanded to see the Babcock pics on every player's phone.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

Further improve the team's ability to make a deep postseason run and win a cup. Probably shore up the defense or goaltending if Woll, Tanev, or Haaktuah end up on Robidas Island or Isle de la Muzzin.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:

They need to hire Syrup Girl as team ambassador

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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: Meh.

Easton Cowan: Gets an extended look, does well, gets sent back down to marinate.

Connor Dewar: Meh.

Max Domi: Remains an overall positive asset and makes pop Tie proud.

Nikita Grebenkin: Gets sent to the front outside Chasiv Yar and is never heard from again.

Pontus Holmberg: Gets 10+ goals and becomes a reliable bottom six guy.

Calle Jarnkrok: Gets 10+ goals and remains a reliable bottom six guy.

David Kampf: Continues to do Kampf things and be Kampfy.

Matthew Knies: Dominates. Gets 25ish goals and has nice 5v5 fancy stats.

Mitch Marner: Aaaah, Mitchy. WTF do we do with Mitch? In a perfect world, you pay him a ton of money and keep him. I have a feeling this might be his last season in Toronto. I think he will put up 100-ish points this year to keep his value high while pursuing his options.

Auston Matthews: Just give the Rocket to him again. Better yet, rename it the Matthews Trophy.

Bobby McMann: 10+ goals and a reliable bottom six option.

Fraser Minten: Gets a look due to injuries?

William Nylander: Gets into a friendly competition with Matthews for the Rocket. Ends up in the top-5 league wide for goals.

Ryan Reaves: Continues to be an albatross on the cap. Bury this guy in the minors.

Nicholas Robertson: Not sure what to think of this kid. Let's give him the middling prediction and say he gets 10-15 goals and tries to be a middle six guy, but might get traded.

Alex Steeves: Meh.

John Tavares: Assuming he's not desperately needed at C, he plays the wing and takes on a Stamkos-like role, moves up and down the lineup. Probably blows his achilles and retires before joining the front office.

Max Pacioretty: Looks like a steal until his ankles explode and showers bone fragments over the nearest bench and into the crowd. If not, then he gets 15-17 goals and 35-ish points while becoming a "clutch guy".

Alex Nylander: Helps maintain his brother's hat collection.


Defence

Simon Benoit: Hopefully solidifies a spot for himself on the roster.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Is a tire fire inside a dumpster.

Jani Hakanpää: Provides an Ulf Samuelsson-like presence until both knees explode in a shower of bone fragments that permanently blinds a linesman. Ends up selling timeshares on Robidas Island for a brief time.

Timothy Liljegren: Reveals himself to be the tooth fairy before gently flying away on a light breeze.

Jake McCabe: Does solid McCabe things.

Morgan Rielly: Flourishes with Tanev healthy. Ends up being asked to do far too much again if Tanev goes down.

Chris Tanev: Is as-advertised if he can stay healthy. Rielly is praying for him.

Conor Timmins: Will get an opportunity to show what he's got, if he can dodge the flying bone fragments.


Goalies

Matt Murray: Pulls a Jones and makes some surprisingly good starts if injuries happen. If not, he gets waived, traded, retires, Robidas Island again, hell, I don't know.

Anthony Stolarz: Competes for the starter role if Woll fumbles or goes down.

Joseph Woll: Does a solid job if he can stay healthy.


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs, Carolina, Tampa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Don't care. The Metro can (frank) itself.

Wildcard teams - East: Detroit and New Jersey.

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Don't care.

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Really really don't care, I'm asleep by that time.

Wildcard teams - West: Hell I don't know, Chicago and somebody maybe.

Last place team overall: Buffalo. Because they are good at suffering, but maybe Ottawa also for the same reasons.

Most surprising team: Pittsburgh. They have one last hurrah before they finally die.

Most disappointing team: Utah. It's not a real place that exists. It was made up by AI.

My wild, wacky hot-take:Get rid of the stupid shootout and have 10-min overtimes at 4v4 and call it a tie afterwards if nobody scores.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: A bunch of pylons, like Reaves.

Art Ross winner: Probably McDavid.

Hart winner: Probably McDavid.

Norris winner: I don't know, but I'd like it to be Rielly.

Calder winner: I have no idea. Rookies are voodoo.

Vezina winner: Vasilevskiy will be in the running after a resurgence.

Richard winner: Matthews and it is renamed the Matthews Trophy.


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THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Don't care.

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: KNIES.

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: Cupsie told me so.


My best prediction from last year was: Matthews would score 70 goals

My worst prediction from last year was: Leafs would win the cup

The Leafs will finish: 1st in the East, 2nd overall

The main reason for this is: Solid goaltending and and coaching staff

The biggest surprise will be: Stolarz

The biggest disappointment will be: Reaves

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Jarnkrok. lots of effort, limited results

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): OEL. Top ten pick D, played for a really poop franchise as a top two D-man. Slips to second or third pairing on the Leafs and he will do well there. Can also move up if there are (and there will be) injuries.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: Hire Berube

If I was GM, I would have: Shipped Reaves and Kampf out.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Add a scoring forward with grit

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: They will win the cup.


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan: minors

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi: 18G 28A

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg: 5G 15A

Calle Jarnkrok: 12G 20A

David Kampf: 6G 10A

Matthew Knies: 23G 25A

Mitch Marner: 30G 77A

Auston Matthews: 72G 65A

Bobby McMann: 15G 20A

Fraser Minten: minors

William Nylander: 43G 55A

Ryan Reaves: 1G 4A

Nicholas Robertson: 20G 18A

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares: 28G 39A

Max Pacioretty: 12G 15A

Alex Nylander: 4G 6A


Defence

Simon Benoit: 4G 12A

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 6G 20A

Jani Hakanpää: 0G 5A

Timothy Liljegren: 8G 25A

Jake McCabe: 6G 15a

Morgan Rielly: 12G 45A

Chris Tanev: 4G 20A

Conor Timmins: 5G 19A


Goalies

Hildeby: 2W

Anthony Stolarz: 25W 3 SO

Joseph Woll: 30W 4 SO


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs Bruins Panthers

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Devils Rangers Canes

Wildcard teams - East: Lightning, Wings, Pens

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Stars, Avs, Preds

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Oilers, Vegas, Kings

Wildcard teams - West: Blues, Jets, Canucks

Last place team overall: Blue Jackets

Most surprising team: Wings

Most disappointing team: Senators

My wild, wacky hot-take: Canucks will get a wild card spot in the last week of the regular season.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: Giordano

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: Matthews

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Celebrini

Vezina winner: Shesterkin

Richard winner:Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Avs

Eastern Conference winner:Leafs

Stanley Cup winner:Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:Matthews

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: cock size

My best prediction from last year was: Brodie and Keefe suck

My worst prediction from last year was: I would get laid a lot more

The Leafs will finish: 1st in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: They're ready! Defense and G is much better.

The biggest surprise will be: Storlarz and Knies

The biggest disappointment will be: Lily if not traded

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Lily, does nothing that stands out

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Reaves

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: Stolarz

If I was GM, I would have: Signed Zadorov

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: find a 2C/3C (that can be a 2LW

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Keefe sucks....or if you meant this year's team Stolarz will be lights out!


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THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan:

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi: 19g/30a

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg:

Calle Jarnkrok:

David Kampf:

Matthew Knies: 25g/40a and 5 fighting majors

Mitch Marner: 31g/71a no points in the 1st round but will light up the next rounds

Auston Matthews: 72g/45a

Bobby McMann: 15g/25a

Fraser Minten:

William Nylander: 48g/42a

Ryan Reaves: 3g...hattrick so all in one game, 10a

Nicholas Robertson: traded

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares: 28g/41a

Max Pacioretty: 29g/20a

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit: top 5 in hits

Oliver Ekman-Larsson:

Jani Hakanpää: top 10 in hits

Timothy Liljegren: traded

Jake McCabe: BEAST

Morgan Rielly: 50a

Chris Tanev: bazillion blocked shots

Conor Timmins:


Goalies

Matt Murray: Back up full time in November

Anthony Stolarz: top 3 stats in the league

Joseph Woll: Injured by November, out for the season


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THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs, Panthers, who cares

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - East:

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Wildcard teams - West:

Last place team overall: Chicago

Most surprising team: Utah

Most disappointing team: Bruins

My wild, wacky hot-take: Ottawa makes the playoffs

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2024-25:

Art Ross winner:

Hart winner:

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner:

Vezina winner: Stolarz

Richard winner: Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Vancouver

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Matthews or Stolarz

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because I drink the Blue and White Kool Aid

My best prediction from last year was that the Leafs would win, which they did but it was rigged.

My worst prediction from last year was...the Leafs winning the Cup

The Leafs will finish first overall

The main reason for this is I deserve it

The biggest surprise will be Stolarz

The biggest disappointment will be the parade

People think this guy is good, but he sucks and the reason is Reaves, because when he's on the ice the puck goes into our net an inordinate number of times

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Marner, he actually rules

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: eating a Richard

If I was GM, I would have traded everyone for picks and rebuilt properly

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to do stuff or maybe nothing

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs They will win the Stanley Cup

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs, Panthers, Tampa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Rangers, Hurricanes, Devils

Wildcard teams - East: Philly, Pittsburgh

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):Avalanche, Jets, Wild

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):
Oilers Canucks Golden Knights

Wildcard teams - West: predators, kings

Last place team overall: Montreal

Most surprising team: Montreal

Most disappointing team: Montreal

My wild, wacky hot-take: see above

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:[/b marchand

Art Ross winner:
Marner
Hart winner:
Matthews
Norris winner:
Makar
Calder winner:
Michov
Vezina winner:
Stolarz
Richard winner:
Matthews

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner:
Colorado
Eastern Conference winner:
Leafs
Stanley Cup winner:
Leafs
Conn Smythe Trophy winner:
Marner

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: TBD

My best prediction from last year was: Leafs suck?

My worst prediction from last year was: Leafs dont suck?

The Leafs will finish: top 32

The main reason for this is: there are 32 teams

The biggest surprise will be: if they dont finish top 32

The biggest disappointment will be: finishing bottom 32


If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:


- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards


Max Domi: 12 - 38

Matthew Knies: 22-22

Mitch Marner: 27-68

Auston Matthews: 71-41

Bobby McMann: 17-21


William Nylander: 36-42



Nicholas Robertson: 18-26


John Tavares: 33-41

Max Pacioretty: 14-21





- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE


Art Ross winner: Matthews

Hart winner: Matthews

Norris winner: Fox

Calder winner: no idea

Vezina winner: Solarz

Richard winner: Mathews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Oilers

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner:Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Matthews

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: When I got my first career-track job, with my first paycheque I went to Maple Leaf Gardens and bought myself a Gilmour jersey.

My best prediction from last year was: saying that signing Reaves was a terrible idea.

My worst prediction from last year was: "Auston Matthews: Another season where he doesn't really give 100% - just drafting off the pack, ready to attack the finish line at the end (it's a running analogy for hockey - meaning he won't give 100% until the playoffs)."

Close second: saying Buffalo would be a wildcard team.

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the division.

The main reason for this is: better defence and in goal than last year.

The biggest surprise will be: Knies. Look for him to really up his game this year, with his added size.

The biggest disappointment will be: Hakanpaa. I doubt he gets in 25 games.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Reaves. Serves absolutely no purpose. You can't have a fighter (who barely fights) if he can't skate.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Robertson, but it won't matter. He won't find a place in the lineup, the sulking will begin, and he will be traded. And we will regret trading him almost immediately.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: not gutting the team. You have to stay the course with this group.

If I was GM, I would have: sent Reaves to the Marlies, not brought Patches to camp, and sent a message to young guys that there is a path to the NHL if they work hard.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: once again, add a defenceman.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: sadly, my answer has been the same for the past few years - enjoy the regular season, but it doesn't mean poop. Anything less than a semi-final appearance shall be deemed as an utter failure.


- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: nope

Easton Cowan: not yet

Connor Dewar: I couldn't pick him out of a police lineup. Inconsequential

Max Domi: I look for him to play better than fancy stats are predicting he will be. I think the stability of his new contract will allow him to shine. Look for him to improve on his points totals of last year, playing wing on the top two lines.

Nikita Grebenkin: Maybe gets a few games as a callup. Nothing more.

Pontus Holmberg: Like the guy below him, he's an interchangeable part. Could be moved for cap space. I'll never buy his jersey or put his Sports Illustrated poster on my wall.

Calle Jarnkrok: See above

David Kampf: See above.

Matthew Knies: We'll see significant growth in his point totals this year, playing predominantly on top two lines (will see some 3rd line time). Hopefully Berube gets him to use his size more.

Mitch Marner: Will be top 5 in NHL scoring this year. Will sign a new contract, and Leafs fans will hate it, because Leafs fans are stupid.

Auston Matthews: 10% reduction in production this year - his focus will be on staying healthy for the playoffs.

Bobby McMann: I really like this guy, but I'm guessing he'll be shuffled down the lineup, which won't suit his game. Look for him to be 3rd and 4th line.

Fraser Minten: Not this year.

William Nylander: Wont play more than 10 games at centre. Will drop down to about 90 points.

Ryan Reaves: Now that we have Lorrentz, there's no reason to have Reaves in the lineup. Look for him to be sent to Robidas Island by Christmas.

Nicholas Robertson: Will be traded.

Alex Steeves: Marlies

John Tavares: Father time has never lost a match. Will end the season on the 3rd line - and no, I don't know who will be 2nd line centre.

Max Pacioretty: Shouldn't have signed him - sent the wrong message to the kids trying to earn a roster spot. 15 goals, 20 assists, no positive impact on the team.

Alex Nylander: Won't get an NHL contract from the Leafs.


Defence

Simon Benoit: I only ask that he is a dependable 3rd pair guy. Nothing more.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 30 points. This was a bit of a wild swing by Treliving.

Jani Hakanpää: I doubt he plays more than 25 games. Another wild swing by Treliving (he seems to sign D men with no logic).

Timothy Liljegren: traded by Christmas to make cap space.

Jake McCabe: I'm hoping to just not notice him every game this year.

Morgan Rielly: Will greatly benefit from Tanev's presence. Look for him to return to form, get on the bottom of the list for Norris votes.

Chris Tanev: This guy was brought in to make Rielly shine. He will do his job well.

Conor Timmins: I don't care. Do you?


Goalies

Matt Murray: I'm really hoping this guy can get back to playing again, but he's only going to see the ACC if there are injuries.

Anthony Stolarz: Will play well, battle Woll for the starting job all year.

Joseph Woll: See above


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Florida. Leafs, Tampa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Hurricanes, Rangers, Devils

Wildcard teams - East: Boston, Detroit

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Oilers, Golden Knights, Kings

Wildcard teams - West: Canucks, Utah

Last place team overall: Columbus

Most surprising team: Utah. Will throw off the Arizona malaise.

Most disappointing team: Canucks will take a huge step backwards from last year.

My wild, wacky hot-take: Washington will care more about Ovi than winning.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: Reaves.

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid again. He's angry at not winning the Stanley Cup.

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: I never know. I don't follow junior hockey enough.

Vezina winner: Shersterkin, after he signs a monster deal - goalies everywhere rejoice.

Richard winner: Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Colorado

Eastern Conference winner: Florida

Stanley Cup winner: Colorado

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:McKinnon

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: Thanks to the internet I know that I'm not because there are some crazy nutjobs out there and I have no interest in competing in that space.

My best prediction from last year was: I had Edmonton in the Cup Finals (but winning)

My worst prediction from last year was: I had Calgary making the playoffs

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in division, 4th in conference

The main reason for this is: They're a good team - probably better than last year - but it's incremental. They probably go up about 4 points and if Boston drops 5 or so, Toronto is 2nd. The Rangers, Carolina and the Devils will be good in the Metro

The biggest surprise will be: I don't know if it'll be a surprise, but Stolarz will be excellent

The biggest disappointment will be: I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling it'll be Ekman-Larsson

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):Not many guys to pick on this year, really. I'd be inclined to go with Kampf just because I don't think he performs his role well enough for his salary nor his reputation at his role as a shutdown centre. I'd include Reaves here, but no one should think he's good.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): I've always been partial to Jarnkrok. He's not that good but he's a jack-of-all-trades kind of player who does what's asked of him and for $2.1m he's okay at most of it.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: You'll probably see a lot of Tanev's but I'm going with Stolarz.

If I was GM, I would have: Not bothered with OEL and Pacioretty and used the $4.5m for a tougher, bigger defenseman to compliment the group.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Get bigger on D, probably find a 2C/3C.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: I'd prefer if no one remembers anything I say here.


- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: n/a

Easton Cowan: n/a

Connor Dewar: 6g / 12a

Max Domi: 10g / 40a

Nikita Grebenkin: n/a

Pontus Holmberg: 8g / 13a

Calle Jarnkrok: 13g / 14a

David Kampf: 8g / 11a

Matthew Knies: 25g / 35a

Mitch Marner: 30g / 70a

Auston Matthews: 65g / 45a

Bobby McMann: 20g / 15a

Fraser Minten: n/a

William Nylander: 40g / 55a

Ryan Reaves: 2g / 5a

Nicholas Robertson: 22g / 22a

Alex Steeves: n/a

John Tavares: 25g / 40a

Max Pacioretty:

Alex Nylander: n/a


Defence

Simon Benoit: 1g / 6a

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 5g / 20a

Jani Hakanpää: 3g / 10a

Timothy Liljegren: 5g / 20a

Jake McCabe: 5g / 20a

Morgan Rielly: 8g / 50a

Chris Tanev: 3g / 22a

Conor Timmins: 3g / 11a


Goalies

Matt Murray: I sincerely hope he does well, but recovery is going to take time - it's possible that Hildeby will get more looks than Murray this year when a 3rd string is required.

Anthony Stolarz: Plays about 40g, puts up 920% and wins 27

Joseph Woll: Plays about 40g, puts up a .916% and wins 24.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Florida, Toronto, Boston

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): New York Rangers, New Jersey, Carolina

Wildcard teams - East: Tampa Bay, Washington

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Dallas, Colorado, Nashville

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Edmonton, Vegas, Vancouver

Wildcard teams - West: Winnipeg, LA

Last place team overall: San Jose

Most surprising team: Possibly Montreal. I don't think they have enough to push into the playoffs, but a 15-20 point jump isn't unrealistic.

Most disappointing team:Maybe Pittsburgh. It's hard to pick against Sid, but the whole team just gets older and doesn't really add any strong youth.

My wild, wacky hot-take: Chicago moves out of wildcard territory almost solely on the strength of Bedard and backed by solid goaltending from Broissoit.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: Fleury

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: Matthews

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Michkov

Vezina winner: Shesterkin

Richard winner: Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Edmonton

Eastern Conference winner: Toronto

Stanley Cup winner: Toronto - because my friend and I need a reason to never talk to one another again

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Auston Matthews

Wtf

I have gotten near the end 3x and it wipes all info out 😡

I quit

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:
You guys are no competition
My best prediction from last year was:
Woll
[bMy worst prediction from last year was:
Erased from my memory
The Leafs will finish:
2nd in Atlantic
The main reason for this is:
Avoid the president’s trophy curse
The biggest surprise will be:
Benny
The biggest disappointment will be:
Oel
People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):
Kampf overpaid
People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):
Jarnkrok Swiss Army knife
The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: Berube

If I was GM, I would have:
Traded for BooneTangClan
At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:
Add physical dman
If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:
Big strides taken
- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:no

Easton Cowan:no

Connor Dewar:sewar manure

Max Domi:solid

Nikita Grebenkin:next year

Pontus Holmberg:11g

Calle Jarnkrok:16g

David Kampf: soft

Matthew Knies:24g

Mitch Marner:top 🎩 🐕

Auston Matthews: 67g

Bobby McMann: 14g

Fraser Minten:next yesr

William Nylander: 67 pts

Ryan Reaves: 10g, 10 scraps

Nicholas Robertson: 17g

Alex Steeves:no

John Tavares: 67 pts

Max Pacioretty: 13g

Alex Nylander:no


Defence

Simon Benoit: Tanev jr

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 🤨

Jani Hakanpää: hawk gets injured

Timothy Liljegren: excels on new team

Jake McCabe: solid now but overpaid mid season

Morgan Rielly: leader

Chris Tanev:
Warrior
Conor Timmins: defensive liability


Goalies

Matt Murray: masterton trophy

Anthony Stolarz: 22w

Joseph Woll:
25w

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):
Flo Tor Bos
Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):
NYR Car Nj
Wildcard teams - East:
TB Pitt
Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):
col Dal winn
Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):
Edm Van LV
Wildcard teams - West:
Nash LA
Last place team overall:
SJ
Most surprising team:
Pitt
Most disappointing team:
NYI
My wild, wacky hot-take:
Dubas and Keefe both win awards
Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:
Corey Perry
Art Ross winner:
McDavid
Hart winner:
McDavid
Norris winner:
Makar
Calder winner:
Michkov
Vezina winner:
Shesterkin
Richard winner:
34

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner:
Colorado
Eastern Conference winner:
NJ
Stanley Cup winner:
Colorado
Conn Smythe Trophy winner:
Makar

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: I put out

My best prediction from last year was: Matthews scoring 65 goals

My worst prediction from last year was: Joe Biden dying

The Leafs will finish: 8th

The main reason for this is: Woll and Stolarz not having a month of bed poopting where Martin Jones (aka Matt Murray) has to bail out the team with a .900 save%

The biggest surprise will be: Tavares scoring 40 goals

The biggest disappointment will be: Patches waived after 15 games

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Max Domi, only really produced when stapled to Matthews

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):OEL because he's going to finally provide a legitimate PP threat on the second unit...HE CAN SHOOT (Hint hint Rielly)

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: Making Matthews captain

If I was GM, I would have: Let Liljegren walk when the number 3mil was brought up

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Get another top-6 forward

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: They scored a lot of goals

- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese: 3gp 0g 0a 0p

Easton Cowan: 0gp 0g 0a 0p

Connor Dewar: 52gp 12g 5a 17p

Max Domi: 9g 32a 41p

Nikita Grebenkin: 5gp 1g 0a 1p

Pontus Holmberg: 56gp 10g 14a 24p

Calle Jarnkrok: 69gp 16g 20a 36p

David Kampf: 82gp 7g 12a 19p

Matthew Knies: 82gp 23g 29a 52p

Mitch Marner: 82gp 35g 85a 120p

Auston Matthews: 82gp 67g 50a 117p

Bobby McMann: 62gp 14g 12a 26p

Fraser Minten: 0gp 0g 0a 0p

William Nylander: 82gp 38g 52a 90p

Ryan Reaves: 31gp 4g 3a 7p

Nicholas Robertson: 61gp 19g 14a 33p

Alex Steeves: 7gp 0g 0a 0p

John Tavares: 82gp 43g 35a 78p

Max Pacioretty: 13gp 2g 0a

Alex Nylander: 0gp 0a 0p


Defence

Simon Benoit: 72gp 3g 5a 8p

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 82gp 10g 24a 34p

Jani Hakanpää: 52gp 1g 6a 7p

Timothy Liljegren:19gp 1g 2a 3p

Jake McCabe: 82gp 6g 22a 28p

Morgan Rielly: 82gp 8g 63a 71p

Chris Tanev: 68gp 5g 24a 29p

Conor Timmins: 23gp 2g 4a 6p


Goalies

Matt Murray: 13gp 5w 8l .889sv%

Anthony Stolarz: 40gp 24w 16l .918sv%

Joseph Woll: 29gp 21w 8l .914sv%


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Bruins, Leafs, Panthers

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Devils, Rangers, Caps

Wildcard teams - East: Sens, Lightning

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Stars, Preds, Avs

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Oilers, Canucks, Knights

Wildcard teams - West: Jets, Kings

Last place team overall: Anaheim Ducks

Most surprising team: Blackhawks

Most disappointing team: Flames (they will suck)

My wild, wacky hot-take: Flames second worst team in the NHL

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: Ryan Reaves

Art Ross winner: Connor McDavid

Hart winner: Connor McDavid

Norris winner: Miro Heiskanen

Calder winner: Matvei Mitchkov

Vezina winner: Jeremy Swayman

Richard winner: Auston Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Dallas

Eastern Conference winner: THE DEVILS

Stanley Cup winner: Dallas

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Heiskanen

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because:

This is a stupid, unquantifiable question that boils down to "I am because I said I am." Please, remove this from future prediction threads.

My best prediction from last year was:

Pretty much most of my predictions were accurate, especially concerning the Leafs.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=185142

Woll was a big positive surprise (also predicted his injury problems), Klingberg sucked, Keefe sucked, Leafs D sucked...there's a lot...

Same story as the past 5 years, lots of goals for, lots of goals against and dubious odds of playoff success because the Leafs are slowly but surely becoming the San Jose Sharks; regular season darlings and playoff busts.

Also, said the Oilers would go to the Final and McDavid would win the Conn Smythe. Unfortunately, they didn't win the thing that matters most.

My worst prediction from last year was:

Panthers miss the playoffs. Really didn't see them having that much gas in the tank after losing in the Final. Glad they got the job done for all 12 of their fans.

The Leafs will finish:

W:49 L:26 OT:7, 105 points.

2nd in the Division, 8th overall.

The main reason for this is:

The Leafs have no problem being regular season heroes. It's the playoff problem.

Florida should be worse this year, Boston about the same and Tampa Bay slightly better if they stay healthy. So it's probably Boston #1, Leafs and Tampa fighting for 2nd and 3rd and Florida in 4th as the wild card with Detroit nipping at their heels.

The biggest surprise will be:

Ekman-Larsson as a PP, offensive specialist.

I think he has a lot of offensive potential on this team if used in the right situations. He can really put up a lot of points, especially on the PP. Very few other defenders have as many goals and PP goals as him over the past 10 years. With all the other weapons on the Leafs PP, he will often be given lanes to shoot and that will produce a lot more goals at best and a lot more rebounds at worst.

Defensively, however, OEL is a mess. So Berube is going to have to play the matching game very well or else OEL could become a net-negative very quickly.

The biggest disappointment will be:

Tanev as a top pairing D.

This guy has Muzzin 2.0 written all over him. I just don't see him having a lot of gas left in the tank. Players who rely on hustle, spirit and determination are great and fantastic assets. However, as we've seen with guys like Wendel Clark, those careers are usually shorter. At 34+ I just don't see Tanev being as healthy or as effective as we need him to be as a top pairing D. I think the Leafs needed another top pair RHD to keep Tanev on the 2nd pairing. Expecting older players to play above their head is usually expecting for disaster. Giving him 6 years is an abomination. McCabe is going to be the next contract mistake, for mostly the same reasons.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is):

Tavares as an elite player.

He doesn't absolutely suck (like Reaves) but he just isn't worth the cap hit anymore. At his age, the decline will become more noticeable. He's always been an offense first player with below average skating. Expecting him to play a "3C" role of being more defensive and shutdown will not work. He's an overpaid PP weapon.

He absolutely should not return. He had his chance, never lived up to the pay and his time is up. Removing the C was a great move in that direction. I think it's a total blue and white pipe dream fantasy that he comes back for 4 million a year. If he has a good offensive season, don't expect that big of a discount. If he has a terrible year, why would you bring him back?

Marc Savard, as a coach, terrible hire.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

Marner.

Should be obvious why he doesn't suck but Leafs fans hate having good things. Matthews, Tavares and Nylander have had just as little playoff success but Marner is the one who gets the blame? The reality is, he's a fantastic two-way player. He'll probably get overpaid (like all the others) but that's what the Leafs have to do to give their players the same amount of final take home dollars as other teams.

Hopefully the Leafs come to an agreement with Marner and he doesn't walk to UFA status for free. If the Leafs let him walk for nothing, they're total idiots. You can not replace Marner from within nor can you replace his production via UFA market for better value. It's simply not possible.

I'd prefer Marner sign for less but he'll get 8 x 12. And he's worth it.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was:

Firing Keefe. It was long overdue and he should never have been hired in the first place. The absolute wrong kind of coach for this team and it wasted precious years of contending.

Selling the team to one majority owner. Problem is, that owner is incompetent. But at least we'll be able to identify and blame the right people for their failures. Rogers will run the Leafs like the Jays. They'll sell hope and deliver nothing.

If I was GM, I would have:

Done things a lot differently...

Shanahan: Fired.
Treliving: Fired.
Keefe: Fired.

President: Dale Tallon
GM: Ken Holland
Head Coach: Joel Quenneville (with daily accountability monitoring to keep the social justice crusaders appeased)
Asst. Coach: Craig Berube
Special Skills Consultant: Adam Oates

Trades

Trade Jarnkrok to Columbus for a 2nd round pick.
Trade Timmins, Liljegren and Reaves to San Jose for Kunin, 5th + 7th round pick.
Trade Kampf to Anaheim for a 3rd round pick.

Trade Robertson, Hildeby + 1st + 2nd for Askarov + Sissons.

Whatever extra it takes within reason.

Signings

Re-sign Domi @ 4 years, 3.75 AAV

Sign Duchene @ 2 years, 5 AAV, front loaded bonuses to pry him from Dallas.

Sign Pesce @ 6 years, 5.5 AAV. *Acquired the rights, then sign with max bonus $$$ upfront which would have been more than what NJ gave him.

Sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson @ 3 years, 4 AAV.

Sign Lafferty @ 3 years, 2 AAV.

Sign Clutterbuck @ 1 years, 1 AAV.

Sign Lorentz @ 1 year, 775K

Sign Jani Hakanpää @ 1 year, 1.4 AAV.

Sign Robert Bortuzzo @ 1 year, 775K.

Tavares | Matthews | Marner
Knies | Duchene | Nylander
Domi | Sissons | Kunin
Lorenz | Lafferty | Clutterbuck
McMann

Rielly | Pesce
OEL | Hakanpää
McCabe | Bortuzzo
Benoit

Woll | Askarov | Murray

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

Acquire a lot of players to address areas of need.

They'll need a 3C and a 4C. Probably at least one more LW. And at least another top-4 RHD. Maybe even a goalie because 2 out of 3 we have are always injured and the 3rd one has never played a full season.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:

Some mid-wits here are the Liljegren of hockey knowledge and this team still isn't ready to win a Cup yet. They have pinned their hopes to a lot of rolls of the dice. They're looking like the San Jose Sharks of this era. Lots of goals for, lots of goals against and no Stanley Cup in the end. Berube's success in St. Louis was built upon the fact that he had Pietrangelo, Parayko, Bouwmeester, Dunn and Binnington. Until the Leafs have that, I don't see Berube being as successful as he was in St. Louis. But he'll get more out of this team than Keefe did. Marc Savard sucks.

- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Auston Matthews:

GP:72 G:54 A:37 P: 91

Mitch Marner:

GP:80 G:31 A: 61 P: 92

William Nylander:

GP:80 G:35 A:47 P: 82

John Tavares:

GP:74 G:28 A:39 P: 67

Matthew Knies:

GP:78 G:20 A:23 P:43

Max Domi:

GP:78 G:10 A:41 P:51

Max Pacioretty: (Will be injured)

GP:52 G:13 A:24 P: 37

Calle Jarnkrok:

GP:65 G:8 A:15 P:23

David Kampf:

GP:80 G:6 A:15 P:21

Nicholas Robertson: (Will be injured)

GP:60 G:15 A:14 P:29

Pontus Holmberg:

GP:51 G:3 A:11 P:14

Steven Lorentz:

GP:55 G:5 A:12 P:17

Connor Dewar:

GP:30 G:4 A:8 P:12

Bobby McMann: (Will be injured)

GP:34 G:10 A:8 P:18

Should not make the team out of camp but could play games due to injuries.

Alex Nylander:

GP:25 G:5 A:9 P:14

Nikita Grebenkin:

GP:20 G:3 A:7 P:10

Nick Abruzzese:

Doesn't matter. AHLer for life probably.

Alex Steeves:

Doesn't matter. AHLer for life probably.

Back to Junior hockey because they're still kids.

Fraser Minten: + Easton Cowan:

Both win some kind of junior award and/or destroy the leagues they play in.

Ryan Reaves: Shoot into the sun.

Probably still plays 30-40 games because this team is stupid.

3 goals, 4 fights, 5 minutes per game. -10.

(frank)ing sucks. Probably a nice person. But get him off this team.

Defence

Oliver Ekman-Larsson:

GP:70 G:10 A:32 P:42

Morgan Rielly:

GP:76 G:9 A:46 P:55

Jake McCabe: (Will be injured)

GP:65 G:4 A:18 P:22

Timothy Liljegren: (traded, hopefully)

GP:41 G:2 A:15 P:17

Chris Tanev: (Will be injured)

GP:61 G:2 A:12 P:14

Simon Benoit:

GP:68 G:2 A:8 P:10

Jani Hakanpää: (Will be injured)

GP:43 G:1 A:9 P:10

Conor Timmins:

GP:43 G:4 A:15 P:19

Philippe Myers

GP:33 G:1 A:7 P:8

Goalies

Joseph Woll: (Will be injured)

GP:35 W:22 L:10 OT:3 SV% .913 GA:105 GAA: 2.76

Anthony Stolarz:

GP:35 W:21 L:12 OT:2 SV% .911 GA:104 GAA: 2.88

Matt Murray:

GP:6 W:3 L:2 OT:1 SV% .909 GA:17 GAA: 2.83

Dennis Hildeby

GP:6 W:3 L:2 OT:1 SV% .905 GA:18 GAA: 3.00

--- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):

Bruins, Leafs, Panthers

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):

Devils, Rangers, Hurricanes

Wildcard teams - East:

Lightning, Islanders

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order):

Stars, Avalanche, Predators

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order):

Oilers, Golden Knights, Canucks

Wildcard teams - West:

Jets, Utah

Last place team overall:

Ducks.

Relocate this team next, please. Another disgrace of a team to have it's name written on the Stanley Cup.

Most surprising team:

Utah.

Most disappointing team:

Vancouver.

I think they lost a few key pieces and were overrated last year. Come back down to Earth season. Will still make the playoffs but won't be winning the division.

My wild, wacky hot-take:

Leafs made a big mistake not hiring Quenneville.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Reaves. How the (frank) is this guy not gone yet?

Art Ross winner:

McDavid.

Hart winner:

McDavid.

Norris winner:

Makar.

Calder winner:

Celebrini.

Vezina winner:

Shesterkin.

Richard winner:

Matthews.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner:

Oilers.

Eastern Conference winner:

Devils. Because Leafs.

Stanley Cup winner:

Oilers.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner:

McDavid.

SCF: Leafs vs. Oilers
SC Champions: TML

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Atlantic with 108 pts ....behind Bruins.

The main reason for this is: Offense from the Big3 and great special teams.

The biggest surprise will be: Woll stays healthy (mostly) and is a playoff stud.

The biggest disappointment will be: Health on the blueline.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): OEL ..he's ok but out of place in the top4 and Domi ...love him but he's going to struggle to play simple north south hockey.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Robertson does some things really well ..things teams need. With opportunity he'll score and provide value ..might not be here.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: Berube. He's no savant but he brings what this core needed.

If I was GM, I would have: Said this in May/June ...created some cap space by moving Lilly and Jarnkrok and directed that $$ towards another middle 6 centre.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Shop for a middle 6 centre and probably another 4/5 type of defenceman.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: Good summer for Tree ..a couple more additions at the deadline and they should have more playoff success.

- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS


THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Boston, Toronto, Tampa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): Rags, Devils, Canes,

Wildcard teams - East: Penguins and Panthers

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Avs, Stars, Predators

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Oilers, Knights, Canucks

Wildcard teams - West: Jets, Kraken

Last place team overall: Jackets

Most surprising team: Panthers ...surprisingly mediocre

Most disappointing team: Panthers

My wild, wacky hot-take: Leafs acquire Parayko at the deadline.

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: Ryan Suter was done 2 yrs ago.

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner: McDavid

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Celebrini

Vezina winner: Shesterkin

Richard winner: Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Stars

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Stars

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Oettinger

I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: Cool Leafs leather jacket and St. Pats toque.

My best prediction from last year was: Probably being 100% correct about the Sens.

My worst prediction from last year was: Leafs Cup, but I'm mostly repeating it until it actually happens. This will be the 3rd time I say it, and as we all know, the 3rd time is the charm.

The Leafs will finish: 1st in Division, 2nd in Conference, 3rd in League

The main reason for this is: notable improvements, even if they're not massive to the eye

The biggest surprise will be: How fast Timmins get either put on waivers or if some team (Dubas') actually trade for him

The biggest disappointment will be: McCabe's new contract. I know it was only preseason, but man was he bad for most of it.

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Timmins. If he can play like he did last preseason, I'd have no problem with him. But he's been terrible ever since he got hurt last year.

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is): Tavares. Laughable, unserious opinions when people try and drag him down.

Also Robertson. Morons.

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: New coach. Keefe should've been ousted, at minimum, 2 years ago.

If I was GM, I would have: I personally wouldn't have signed Pacioretty. Don't care if he plays well for a bit. I think someone better should've been targeted. That being said, Pacioretty has something the Leafs have badly needed; he might just be one of the luckiest players I've ever watched.

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to: Probably a legit 3rd line C.

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs: The current roster is vastly superior than a terrible one I saw put together higher up in this blog by someone who's only a genius in his own head.

- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan: Back to back OHL MVP winner, this time he finishes off the Memorial Cup with a W

Connor Dewar:

Max Domi:

Nikita Grebenkin: Good 1st year in NA with the Marlies and gets a couple games with the Leafs throughout the season, due to injury

Pontus Holmberg:

Calle Jarnkrok: Trade

David Kampf: Trade

Matthew Knies: 60 points and a good new contract

Mitch Marner: Finally gets 100 points, because I got him in fantasy this year

Auston Matthews: 74 Goals

Bobby McMann: The McMannimal had a not good preseason, but he turns it around and has a decent year

Fraser Minten: Hopefully he recovers from his high ankle sprain

William Nylander: 101 points

Ryan Reaves:

Nicholas Robertson: My boy gets 26 goals

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares: 75 points

Max Pacioretty:

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson:

Jani Hakanpää:

Timothy Liljegren:

Jake McCabe:

Morgan Rielly: 70 points, because I got him in fantasy, too

Chris Tanev:

Conor Timmins:


Goalies

Matt Murray:

Anthony Stolarz:

Joseph Woll:


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order): Leafs, Florida, Tampa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order): NYR, NJ, Carolina

Wildcard teams - East: Boston & Pittsburgh

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Dallas, Colorado, Nashville

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Vegas, Edmonton, LA

Wildcard teams - West: Winterpeg & Vagcouver

Last place team overall: Columbus

Most surprising team: Pittsburgh, I guess?

Most disappointing team: Hoping for Boston, but that's unfortunately unlikely

My wild, wacky hot-take: Marner grows a brain and learns how to play to the level he can play at... in the playoffs. That's a pretty damn hot take. hahaha

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24: Rempe. Guys a goof. Don't care if he's a kid, (frank)ing retire . He's not an NHL'er and he keeps trying to hurt players. He's gonna get knocked out cold in a fight this year.

Art Ross winner: McJesus wins by 20 points

Hart winner: Matthews for scoring 70+ and winning the Selke

Norris winner: Makar

Calder winner: Michkov

Vezina winner: Oettinger

Richard winner: Matthews wins by 15+


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Dallas

Eastern Conference winner: Leafs

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: Captain Stachèthews

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I am the greatest Leafs fan alive because: I care

My best prediction from last year was:

My worst prediction from last year was:

The Leafs will finish: 2nd in the Atlantic

The main reason for this is: the Goalies

The biggest surprise will be:

The biggest disappointment will be: Patches

People think this guy is good, but he sucks (and the reason is): Patches

People think this guy sucks, but he's not so bad (and the reason is):

The best move MLSE did in the off-season was: New coaching staff

If I was GM, I would have:

At the trade deadline, the Leafs will need to:

If you remember nothing else I said, remember I said this about the 2023-24 Leafs:

- - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAFS

Forwards

Nick Abruzzese:

Easton Cowan:

Connor Dewar: traded

Max Domi: 22G 31A

Nikita Grebenkin:

Pontus Holmberg:5G 15A

Calle Jarnkrok:10G 18A

David Kampf:6G 14A

Matthew Knies:23G 29A

Mitch Marner:28G 72A

Auston Matthews: 68G 55A

Bobby McMann:10G 14A

Fraser Minten:

William Nylander: 41G 54A

Ryan Reaves:3G 8A

Nicholas Robertson:22G 15A

Alex Steeves:

John Tavares:23G 39A

Max Pacioretty:3G 12A

Alex Nylander:


Defence

Simon Benoit:2G 15A

Oliver Ekman-Larsson:10G 20A

Jani Hakanpää:2G 14A

Timothy Liljegren: traded

Jake McCabe: 4G 19A

Morgan Rielly: 13G 25A

Chris Tanev: 8G 26A

Conor Timmins: traded


Goalies

Matt Murray: 4-6-2

Anthony Stolarz: 30-15-5

Joseph Woll: 12-4-4


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE LEAGUE

Top 3 teams, Atlantic Division (in order):Florida, Toronto, Ottawa

Top 3 teams, Metro Division (in order):NJ, NYR, Canes

Wildcard teams - East: Boston and TB

Top 3 teams, Central Division (in order): Colorado, Dallas, Nashville

Top 3 teams, Pacific Division (in order): Edmonton, Vancouver, LA

Wildcard teams - West:Vegas and Winnipeg

Last place team overall: Chicago/CBJ/Sharks

Most surprising team: Ottawa/Nashville

Most disappointing team: Pittsburg

My wild, wacky hot-take:

Guy who should have retired instead of playing in 2023-24:

Art Ross winner: McDavid

Hart winner:Matthews

Norris winner: Yosi

Calder winner: Smith

Vezina winner:

Richard winner: Matthews


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

THE PLAYOFFS

Western Conference winner: Nashville

Eastern Conference winner: Toronto - me homer

Stanley Cup winner: Leafs

Conn Smythe Trophy winner: #41 Stolarz